Charles Dudley Rhodes


Charles Dudley Rhodes was a United States Army Major General. He was a prominent commander of cavalry units from the Indian Wars through World War I, and was a lecturer and author.

Early life

The son of Major Dudley Woodbridge Rhodes and Marcia Parrish, Charles D. Rhodes was nicknamed "Teddy". He was born in Delaware, Ohio on February 10, 1865, and graduated from Columbian University in 1885. In 1889 he graduated from the United States Military Academy, receiving a commission as a Second Lieutenant of cavalry.

Early military career

Rhodes served in the 6th Cavalry Regiment during the final US Army campaign against the Sioux.
Rhodes' post-Indian Wars assignments included professor of military science at Ohio Wesleyan University and commander of a cavalry troop during the China Relief Expedition.

Spanish–American War

Rhodes served with the 6th Cavalry Regiment in the Philippines during the Spanish–American War. He received the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism at Cavite on the island of Luzon.

Citation for Distinguished Service Cross

The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Charles D. Rhodes, Captain, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near the barrio of San Nicolas, Pueblo of Bacoor, Cavite, Luzon, Philippine Islands, December 31, 1901. Captain Rhodes gallantly and fearlessly led an attack on a superior body of insurgents with two men of his troop, killing two of the enemy and wounding two, including their leader, and dispersing the remainder.
General Orders No. 126, War Department, 1919

Post Spanish–American War

Rhodes graduated from the Command and General Staff College in 1908.
In 1911, Rhodes was an umpire at the mounted exercise conducted by the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia.
Later in 1911, Rhodes and Paul Y. Malone took part in a confidential mission, traveling to Mexico disguised as journalists to assess the likelihood that Francisco I. Madero could remain in power if he won the presidency in the 1912 election.
During the 1912 Connecticut Maneuvers, Rhodes served as assistant chief of staff for the Red Division.
In 1913 Rhodes was assigned as adjutant of the Cavalry Camp of Instruction at Fort Riley, Kansas, and from 1914 to 1917 Rhodes served as commandant of Fort Riley's Mounted Service School.
From June to December, Rhodes commanded the 21st Cavalry Regiment, which was reorganized as the 79th Field Artillery Regiment.

World War I

During World War I, he commanded the 157th Artillery Brigade.
Rhodes later assumed command of the 42nd "Rainbow" Infantry Division, receiving temporary promotion to Major General. Within days of taking command of the 42nd Division in late 1918 Rhodes was injured in a plane crash, and turned the command over to Douglas MacArthur so he could recuperate.

Post World War I

Rhodes graduated from the Army War College in 1920.
His post-World War I assignments included commander of the 34th Infantry Division and Chief of Staff of US forces in the Philippines. He was promoted to permanent Brigadier General in 1925, and Major General in 1928.

Awards and decorations

Rhodes' awards included the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal and Silver Star. For his World War I service, Rhodes received the Order of the Bath from Great Britain and the Legion of Honor from France.

Career as an author

Rhodes was a writer and lecturer. He authored several books and magazine articles, as well as historical works on cavalry in the Civil War. His works include: ; ; ; ; and . Beginning in the 1890s, Rhodes also authored numerous articles and short stories which were published in magazines.

Retirement and death

Rhodes retired from the Army in 1929 and resided in Washington, D.C. He died at Walter Reed Hospital on January 24, 1948 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Section 3, Site 1486.

External resources